Things To Know About Storing Breast Milk For A Flight

Things To Know About Storing Breast Milk For A Flight

A horror story about a mom being forced to dump her breast milk in an airport is circulating on Internet. It reminds me about the two years when I was breastfeeding. I travel frequently for work and flew a few times with my breast pumps during that two years. My impression is that traveling as a breastfeeding mom can be challenging, but not impossible. Most agents do understand breast milk security procedures, and mothers should be good if they know the TSA guidelines in regards to breast milk storage.

Here are several things to keep in mind when carrying breast milk on a flight.

You can travel with as much breast milk as you want, but TSA guidelines recommend you inform a TSA officer at the beginning of a screening process. Alerting agents ahead of time makes the process smoother and faster for everyone involved.

Breast milk will be inspected

Your breast milk may still be subjected o the X-ray machine, but if you don’t want it to go through there you can request an alternative screening method. I tried the alternative method once at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It includes a pat-down and was time-consuming. Personally I prefer they just run my breast milk through the X-ray machine.

Bring small coolers and ice packs

Accessories to keep breast milk frozen, partially frozen, or in a cool state are permitted per TSA guidelines. I always bring a personal cooler with ice packs. Yon can ask a flight attendant for ice if you forget.

Store breast milk safely

The best way to transport breast milk and keep it fresh while traveling is in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler with frozen ice packs. The breast milk should be used within 24 hours. If you won’t be using your milk right away it should go in a refrigerator or freezer as soon as you get to your destination. Always make sure label your breast milk bags with the date you pumped.

Moms don’t have to travel with their children to have breast milk

As explained on the TSA website, you don’t need to have your baby or child with you to travel with breast milk. I often travel for work with my breast pump and breast milk, but not with my child.

Breast pump doesn’t count as a “carry on”

When bring your breast pump you don’t need to cut it as part of carry ons. Breast pump is considered a medical device and won’t need to be counted. But you should be prepared to keep telling agents that it’s a medical device. However, cooler does count as one of your carry ons. Personally I just bring the pump as a personal item and the cooler as a carry on.